Slat for a running belt of a treadmill

ABSTRACT

A treadmill includes a running belt rotatable in a direction of motion and including a plurality of slats. At least one slat in the plurality of slats includes a top portion, a longitudinal rib extending away from the top portion and oriented along a longitudinal direction of the slat, and a bottom flange coupled to the longitudinal rib at or near a vertical bottom of the longitudinal rib such that the longitudinal rib is substantially positioned between the top portion and the bottom flange. The bottom flange extends away from the longitudinal rib on opposing sides of the longitudinal rib.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of International ApplicationPCT/US2022/021168, filed Mar. 21, 2022, which claims the benefit of andpriority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/164,230, filed Mar. 22,2021, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to treadmills. More particularly, thepresent disclosure relates to a slat configuration for a running belt ofthe treadmill.

BACKGROUND

Treadmills enable a person to walk, jog, skip, or run for a relativelylong distance in a limited space by having a running belt that moves inthe opposite direction of the treadmill user. It should be noted thatthroughout this document, the term “run” and variations thereof (e.g.,running, etc.) in any context is intended to include all substantiallylinear locomotion by a person. Examples of this linear locomotioninclude, but are not limited to, jogging, walking, skipping, scampering,sprinting, dashing, hopping, galloping, push/pull exercises, etc.

Furthermore, treadmills can be implemented such that the running belt ofthe treadmill is operated and moved manually (i.e., by only the force ofthe person running on the treadmill) or powered by the force of a motorthat drives the running belt (or some combination thereof). There aretwo main running belt types: a slatted running belt and a continuousbelt running belt. A continuous belt configuration refers to the runningbelt being endless or continuous such that a user may not perceive thebeginning and end of the running belt. A slatted running belt is formedfrom a plurality of slats that extend substantially perpendicular acrossa width of the treadmill and are supported by belts and pulleys onopposing transverse sides of the treadmill. A slatted running belt is ofa relatively more complex construction given the number of componentsinvolved as compared to the endless or continuous running belt. However,many users find slatted running belts more comfortable and, in turn,provide an overall better experience as compared to continuous orendless running belts for a treadmill.

SUMMARY

One implementation of the present disclosure is a treadmill. Thetreadmill includes a running belt rotatable in a direction of motion andincluding a plurality of slats. At least one slat in the plurality ofslats includes a top portion, a longitudinal rib extending away from thetop portion and oriented along a longitudinal direction of the slat, anda bottom flange coupled to the longitudinal rib at or near a verticalbottom of the longitudinal rib such that the longitudinal rib issubstantially positioned between the top portion and the bottom flange.The bottom flange extends away from the longitudinal rib on opposingsides of the longitudinal rib.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a slat for a belt ofan exercise or a therapeutic apparatus. The slat has a longitudinaldirection and includes a top portion configured to support at least aportion of an engagement surface of the exercise or therapeuticapparatus, a longitudinal rib extending away from the top portion andoriented along the longitudinal direction of the slat, and a bottomflange coupled to the longitudinal rib at or near a vertical bottom ofthe longitudinal rib such that the longitudinal rib is positionedsubstantially between the top portion and the bottom flange. The bottomflange extends away from the longitudinal rib on opposing sides of thelongitudinal rib.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a running belt. Therunning belt includes a plurality of slats. Each of the plurality ofslats includes a top portion, a longitudinal rib extending away from thetop portion and is substantially oriented along a longitudinal directionof the slat, and a bottom flange coupled to the longitudinal rib at ornear a vertical bottom of the longitudinal rib such that thelongitudinal rib is substantially positioned between the top portion andthe bottom flange. The bottom flange extends away from the longitudinalrib on opposing sides of the longitudinal rib.

Numerous specific details are provided to impart a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the subject matter of the presentdisclosure. The described features of the subject matter of the presentdisclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments and/or implementations. In this regard, one or more featuresof an aspect of the invention may be combined with one or more featuresof a different aspect of the invention. Moreover, additional featuresmay be recognized in certain embodiments and/or implementations that maynot be present in all embodiments or implementations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a treadmill having a slattedrunning belt, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base of the treadmill of FIG. 1 withthe running belt removed, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the running belt of the treadmill ofFIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a first embodiment of a slat for the slattedrunning belt of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the slat of FIG. 4 , according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a front section view of the slat of FIG. 4 along line 6-6,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an end or side view of the slat of FIG. 4 , according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side section view of the slat of FIG. 4 along line 8-8,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the slat of FIG. 4 along line9-9, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a base portion of a secondembodiment of a slat for the slatted running belt of FIG. 1 , accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the base portion of FIG. 10 , according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is test data corresponding to a base portion of the slat of FIG.4 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is test data corresponding to the base portion of FIG. 10 ,according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the Figures, which illustrate certain exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentdisclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in thedescription or illustrated in the Figures. It should also be understoodthat the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring to the Figures generally, a slat for a running belt of atreadmill is shown according to various embodiments herein. The slat maybe one of a plurality of slats that are configured to be coupled toendless belts of a treadmill. In this way, the plurality of slats incombination with the endless belts form a running belt for thetreadmill. As described herein, the slat includes at least one integralfastener proximate a first end (left side) and at least one integralfastener positioned proximate a second end (right side) opposite thefirst end of the slat. The at least one fastener on the first endcouples to a first endless belt while the at least one fastener on thesecond end couples to a second endless belt. The integral fasteners areadvantageous in reducing the number of components for assembling therunning belt. The endless belts are disposed on transverse sides of thetreadmill such that the slat extends across a part of a width of thetreadmill. The first and second endless belts at least partially supportthe slat. Multiple slats are coupled to the endless belts to form theslatted running belt. After coupling the slats to the endless belts toform the running belt, the slatted running belt may then be supported byone or more pulleys or rollers to enable relative movement of theslatted running belt relative to a base of the treadmill. As describedherein, the slat includes a longitudinal rib with a plurality of gussetsextending outward and away from the longitudinal rib (i.e., towardstransverse edges of the slat). The longitudinal rib is coupled to abottom flange. When a cross-sectional view is taken, the slat has apredominately I-shape. Among other benefits, this structuralconfiguration of a slat may provide better support for a user as well asimproved performance characteristics. These and other features andbenefits of the slat configurations of the present disclosure aredescribed more fully herein below.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2 , a treadmill 10 is shown according to oneembodiment. The treadmill 10 may be a manual treadmill, or a poweredtreadmill that includes a motor. A manual treadmill refers to atreadmill that does not include a motor whereby a running belt is movedby the power or force from a user. In the example shown, the treadmill10 is a manual treadmill. However, the principles described herein arealso applicable with a powered treadmill.

The treadmill 10 includes a base 12 which generally refers to theassembly of components located proximate to a support surface (e.g., thefloor or ground) for the treadmill 10. Accordingly, the base 12 is shownto include a running belt 30 that extends substantially longitudinallyalong a running axis 18 and defines a non-planar running surface 40(e.g., curved). In other embodiments, the running belt 30 defines aplanar or substantially planar running surface (e.g., flat). Inoperation and when a user is facing the front display device, the userruns or walks on the treadmill in the direction of the running axis 18as the portion of the running belt 30 under the user moves in theopposite direction (e.g., away from the front display device). Therunning axis 18 extends generally between a front end 20 and a rear end22 of the treadmill 10; more specifically, the running axis 18 extendsgenerally between the centerlines of a front shaft and a rear shaft,which will be discussed in more detail below.

With reference to FIG. 2 , the treadmill 10 includes a frame 100, whichin this embodiment represents an assembly of elements coupled togetherthat form or make-up the frame 100. In one exemplary embodiment, thespecific elements that make up the base 12 and the frame 100 arediscussed further in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/732,981, whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The base 12 isshown to include a front shaft assembly 120 coupled to the frame 100 andpositioned near a front end 20, and a rear shaft assembly 140 coupled tothe frame 100 and positioned near the rear end 22 of frame 100,generally opposite the front end 20. In operation, the frame 100 maysupport, at least partially, the front and rear shaft assemblies 120 and140. The front shaft assembly includes a pair of front running beltpulleys coupled to a shaft, while the rear shaft assembly includes apair of rear running belt pulleys 141 coupled to a shaft 142. The frontand rear running belt pulleys 121, 141 are configured to facilitatemovement/rotation of the running belt 30. In this regard and asdiscussed in more detail below, the running belt 30 is disposed aboutthe front and rear running belt pulleys 121, 141. As the front and rearrunning belt pulleys 121, 141 are preferably fixed relative to shafts122 and 142, respectively, rotation of the front and rear running beltpulleys 121, 141 causes the shafts 122, 142 to rotate in the samedirection. In a powered treadmill embodiment, at least one of the frontshaft assembly 120 or the rear shaft assembly 140 is powered by a motor.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , the construction of the running belt 30 isshown in greater detail. The running belt 30 is constructed from orformed by a plurality of slats 200 coupled to a pair of endless belts250. A first endless belt 250 is positioned at or a near a first end(e.g., left side when viewing the belt from a user's perspective facingthe display device) of the running belt 30 while a second endless belt250 is positioned at or near a second end (e.g., right side based on thepoint of view above) of the running belt 30. The slats 200 may becoupled to the endless belts 250 in any suitable fashion. In theexamples shown, fasteners 204 (enumerated in FIG. 5 ) (e.g., bolts,screws, etc.) of the slats 200 couple each slat 200 to the endless belts250. In the example shown, the fasteners 204 are shown as bolts.However, in other embodiments, the slats 200 may be coupled to endlessbelts 250 via other coupling devices (e.g., adhesive, welds, etc.). Byutilizing a plurality of individual slats, each slat 200 may move, atleast slightly relative to the other slats 200. The individual relativemovement of the slats 200 may provide flexibility to the running belt 30to absorb at least part of the force imparted onto the running belt 30by the user to enhance the user's experience by reducing the impactstress that could otherwise be imparted to the user when running.

The endless belts 250 are disposed beneath the running surface 40 (i.e.,in use, away from the user and running surface 40/towards the interiorof the base of the treadmill). The endless belts 250 are structured toengage with the pulleys 121, 141 of the front and rear shaft assemblies120, 140 (e.g., rest upon, contact, be supported by, etc.) to enablemovement of the running belt 30 relative to the frame 100 and the base12. In this way, as the user moves along the running axis 18 on thetreadmill 10 (or as the motor drives the front or rear shaft assemblies120, 140 in the powered treadmill embodiment), the portion of therunning belt 30 under the user moves in the opposite direction of theuser. This keeps the user of the treadmill 10 on the running surface 40while allowing the user to run, walk, jog, sidestep, etc. for longdistances.

With the above in mind, reference is now made to FIGS. 4-11 that depicttwo slat configurations for a slatted running belt for the treadmill 10.FIGS. 4-9 depict a first embodiment of a base portion of an individualslat for the running belt 30 while FIGS. 10-11 depict a secondembodiment of a base portion of an individual slat for the running belt30. Each slat configuration may be used to form the running belt 30.Similar reference numbers are used to indicate similar features.Reference numbers that are different indicate structural differencesbetween the first embodiment of the slat and the second embodiment ofthe slat.

Referring first to FIGS. 4-9 , a first embodiment of a slat 200 for therunning 30 is shown, according to an example embodiment. As shown, theslat 200 includes an engagement portion 216 that engages with a user anda base portion 220 located below the engagement portion 216. Theengagement portion includes a top surface (engagement surface 218) thatforms part of the running surface 40. As shown, the top surface of theengagement portion 216 is rectangular or substantially rectangular inshape. With reference to FIG. 4 , the slat 200 includes a first (left)side 205 and a second (right) side 206, longitudinally opposite thefirst side 205. The slat 200 also includes a top width extending from afirst end 208 to a second end 210. These characteristics generallydefine the user engagement portion 216 of the slat 200. As shown in FIG.5 , the slat 200 extends from a top end 212 to a bottom end 214 todefine a height of the slat 200. In FIGS. 4-5 , the slat 200 includesthe user engagement portion 216 (i.e., part that a user contacts duringuse of the treadmill).

In use, the base portion 220 is disposed within, at least partly, thebase of the treadmill and is generally not visible to users of thetreadmill. In contrast, the engagement portion 216 may be contactedand/or is visible by a user of the treadmill. The engagement portion 216includes an engagement surface 218. As shown, the engagement surface 218is structured to provide a surface which a user experiences or engageswith while using the treadmill 10. The engagement surface 218 mayinclude any type of pattern or texture (e.g., uneven surface,substantially flat/even surface, cushiony versus substantially rigid andunable to deflect during use, etc.). In the example depicted, thesurface 218 includes a honeycomb pattern that provides friction to theuser to substantially prevent slippage between the user and the surface218. The surface 218 of the engagement portion of the slat 200 is shownto extend an entire length 219 and width 221 of the slat 200. In otherembodiments, less than an entire length and/or width of slat may beoccupied by the surface 218 of the engagement portion. As shown, thelength 219 of the slat 200 is approximately within the range of 10-30inches, the width 221 is approximately within the range of 1-3 inches,and the height 234 is approximately within the range of 0.8-3.0 inches.In some embodiments, the length 219 is approximately 22 inches or 55centimeters, the width 221 is approximately 2.3 inches, and the height234 is approximately 1.6 inches. In other embodiments, the length 219 isapproximately 17 inches or (43 centimeters). However, it should beunderstood that the relative dimensions may vary from configuration toconfiguration, such that these values should be considered to beexemplary only and non-limiting.

The engagement portion 216 and base portion 220 may be formed from avariety of materials. As shown, the engagement portion 216 and the baseportion 220 are formed from two different materials. In the exampleshown, the engagement portion 216 is an over-molded part, piece, orcomponent disposed on and coupled to the base portion 220. The over-moldengagement portion 216 may be made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE),sometimes referred to as a thermoplastic rubber, such as a thermoplasticvulcanite (TPV), a thermoplastic polyamide (TPA), thermoplasticpolyurethane (TPU), or any other type of TPE. The base portion 220 maybe made of or constructed from a variety of polymers or composites(e.g., a polymer combined with another material (to introduce variablematerial properties) such as glass fiber reinforced Polypropylene (PP)).In one example, the material may be 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60% glass fibercontent (percent by weight) reinforced PP. In the example shown, theslat 200 is characterized by being constructed from predominatelynon-metal materials (except for the fasteners 200). The base portion 220is formed from a plastic-based materials while the engagement portion216 is formed from a rubber-based material. By avoiding metallicmaterials, the overall weight of the slat 200 may be comparably lessthan slats utilizing, for example, metallic base portions. As a result,Applicant has determined that the running belt constructed from theseslats may have relatively faster acceleration characteristics comparedto conventional slatted running belts. Additionally, the primarilycomposite or plastic-based slat 200 provides more cushioning for a userthereby improving user experience compared to tradition metal-basedslats.

Referring more particularly now to the base portion 220 (also referredto as a support, support structure, lower or bottom part, base), thebase portion 220 acts as a support structure for the engagement portion216. The base portion 220 includes a pair of flanges 222 (also referredto as first and second flanges), integral fasteners 204 disposed in theflanges 222, and a central rib 224 (also referred to as a web, beam, orspine) that extends longitudinally between the flanges 222. Withreference to FIGS. 5-6 , the first flange 222 is located proximate afirst side 205 of the slat 200 and the second flange 222 is locatedproximate a second side 206 of the slat 200. As shown, the flanges 222may be a portion of the base portion 220 with relatively small height ascompared to the center of the slat 200.

Each of the flanges 222 includes one or more integral fasteners 204. Inexample shown, each flange 222 includes two integral fasteners. The“integral” nature of the fasteners 204 to the base portion 220 may bedescribed as follows. The fasteners 204 may be a separate componentrelative to the base portion 220. The flanges 222 define holes,openings, or apertures that each receive a fastener 204. In oneembodiment, threads are disposed in the holes to rotatably couple to thefastener. In another embodiment, an interference-fit relationship isprovided between the fastener and the associated hole in the flange. Inyet another embodiment, an adhesive (e.g., glue, epoxy, etc.) is used toretain the fastener in the hole. The adhesive may be used in combinationwith the thread or interference-type relationships described above. Inother embodiments, a different joining mechanism or process for thefastener 204 to the flange and base portion 220 may be employed. In eachconfiguration and upon joining, the fastener 204 is securably held tothe base portion 220. This securable retention may be reversible (e.g.,the threads allow the fastener to couple to the base portion 220 and beremoved from the base portion) or irreversible (e.g., the cured adhesivefunctions to bond the fastener to the base portion 220 in a permanentmanner). In either configuration and upon assembly, the fastener and thebase portion 220 may be considered an “integral” component (e.g., a oneor single piece component). With this integral construction, thefastener is fixed to the flange 222 and the base portion 220 and thefastener 204 may be considered a unitary component. Beneficially, thisconstruction eases attachment and handling of the slat 200. Techniciansand assembly-persons do not need to hold a fastener, such as a bolt,plus the slat and endless belt to attach the slat to the endless belt(e.g., non-integral fasteners may present a potential for losing ormisplacing the fasteners). This arrangement may minimize errors andstreamline assembly.

In the example shown, each of the integral fasteners 204 are structuredas bolts that couple to a nut (e.g., lock nut or other type of nut). Inthis way, a part of the endless belt is sandwiched between the nut andbase portion 220 to hold the slat 200 to the endless belt. In somearrangements, one or more washers, such as a lock washer, as well asadhesive (e.g., Loctite) may also be used to aid coupling of the slat200 to the endless belt. In other embodiments, at least one of thefasteners may be of a different structural arrangement than theremaining fasteners. For example, at least one of the integral fastenersmay be a pin that is in an interference-type relationship with a hole ofthe endless belt. In this relationship, the interference-typerelationship still functions to hold the slat relatively securely to theendless belt.

In operation and via the fasteners 204, each of the flanges 222 (and inturn the base portion 220 and slat 200) is configured to couple to oneof the endless belts 250. In particular, the flange 222 on the first end205 of the slat 200 couples to the endless belt 250 on the first side ofthe running belt 30 and the flange 222 on the second end 206 of the slat200 couples to the endless belt 250 on the second side of the runningbelt 30 via the integral fasteners 204 in each of the flanges 222. Theendless belt 250 may include one or more holes or apertures that receivethe fasteners 204. After the fasteners are received in the holes orapertures, a coupling device, such as a nut described above, may berotatably attached to the fastener to securably hold the slat 200 to theendless belt 250.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 8-9 , the rib 224 of the baseportion 220 is shown in more detail. The rib 224 (e.g., web,longitudinal rib, etc.) projects from a top part of the base portiondownward to interconnect with a bottom flange 228 proximate the bottomend 214 of the slat 200. The rib 224 extends longitudinally between orsubstantially between the flanges 222. Further, the rib 224 is locatedin the transverse (width) middle or approximate middle of the slat 200.As shown in FIGS. 4-7 , the height of the rib 224 varies across thelength of the slat 200. The variance in height creates a smooth contour,which tapers from a smallest relative height of the rib 224 on theopposing sides 205, 206 of the slat 200 proximate the flanges 222 to agreatest relative height of the rib 224 disposed at or substantially atthe longitudinal middle of the slat 200. In this example, a smooth andconsistent (i.e., not jagged or broken) contour of the rib 224 isprovided. By including the rib 224 with a varying height, the slat 200provides for additional support and rigidity where it is needed most (inthe middle of the slat). This area is most likely to experience impactforces from a user during a use of a treadmill. Further and by varyingthe height of the rib 224, the material usage for the rib 224 may beminimalized. For example, if the height of the rib 224 were constant(e.g., the same height across the length of the slat 200, no taper), theslat 200 would require additional material.

With reference to FIG. 8 , a sectional view along line 8-8 of the slat200 is shown, according to an example embodiment. As depicted, the rib224 forms a flange with the top of the base portion proximate theengagement portion. This flange is shown as reference number 226. Whilecalled out as a flange, the flange is the top or upper part of the baseportion 220 that interfaces with the engagement portion 216. In otheralternate embodiments, an additional structure or member may be disposedbetween this upper part and the rib 224 to form the flange. The flangenomenclature is used for clarity to characterize the interaction of therib 224 and upper part of the base portion 220. The flange 226 isdisposed between the rib 224 and the engagement portion 216. In thisway, a top surface of the flange 226 is in direct contact with theengagement portion 216. Being the top of the base portion, the flange226 has a width that substantially corresponds with the engagementportion 216 width to support the engagement portion, for example suchthat a perimeter of the flange 226 is substantially coextensive with aperimeter of the engagement portion 216.

The flange 226 is shown to include multiple, rounded, steps 227 betweenand interconnecting to an underside of the flange 226 (proximate the rib224) and a top surface of the flange 226 (proximate the engage portion216). The rounded steps 227 provide additional surface area between theflange 226 and the engagement portion 216. Because the engagementportion 216 and the base portion 220 (which includes the flange 226) maybe formed of two separate materials that couple together to form theslat 200 (e.g., via an over-molding manufacturing process), additionalsurface area formed by the rounded steps 227 may provide additionalcontact area to increase the joining of the over-mold engagement portion216 and the base portion 220 to increase an overall durability of theslat 200.

The rib 224 is interconnected with a bottom flange 228 that extendsoutward and away from the rib 224. The flange 228 is disposed below therib 224 (i.e., a distance away from the engagement portion 216)proximate the bottom end 214 of the slat 200. Because the height of therib 224 changes across the length of the slat 200, the position of thebottom flange 228 also changes across the length of the slat 200 suchthat the flange 228 is at least partially arcuate in shape (see FIG. 6). As shown, the bottom flange 228 has a variable width along the lengthof the slat 200 in which the largest width is proximate the first andsecond ends 205, 206 while the narrowest width is at or near thelongitudinal center. By varying the width, the flange 228 provides fortorsional support along the length of the slat 200 while requiringminimal excess material. In other embodiments, the width of the flange228 is consistent across the length of the rib 224. In some embodiments,the top flange 226 has a larger width than the bottom flange 228proximate the middle (lengthwise) of the slat 200.

As the rib 224, the top flange 226, and the bottom flange 228 extend tothe left side 205 and the right side 206 of the slat 200, the height ofthe rib 224 continues to decrease such that the rib 224, the top flange226, and the bottom flange 228 essentially combine or merge to form theflanges 222 (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 ) at terminal ends of the rib 224. Tomerge, the bottom flange 228 curves as the height of the rib 224 changesand eventually meets the top flange 226 at the left side 205 and theright side 206 of the slat 200. In this way, each of the rib 224, thetop flange 226, and the bottom flange 228, at the first (left) side 205and the second (right) side 206 of the slat 200, become indiscernible,and the flanges 222 are formed.

When the rib 224, the top flange 226, and the bottom flange 228 arediscernable (e.g., proximate the middle of the slat 200), the rib 224,the top flange 226, and the bottom flange 228 form an I-shaped crosssection (see FIG. 8 ). Minor additions to the I-shape (e.g., aprojecting bump on the web, a rounded corners, etc.) are stillconsidered to be I-shaped within this disclosure. Advantageously, theI-shaped cross section of the base portion 220 accommodates for bendingalong the length of the slat 200, while resisting bending along thewidth and torsion along the length of the slat 200. This is beneficialto minimize shear stress throughout the slat 200. As a result, theI-shaped cross section of the base portion 220 provides rigidity,support, and improved durability to the slat 200, while minimizing theamount of material required in the base portion 220 and thereby makingthe slat 200 relatively lightweight.

Referring now to FIG. 9 , a sectional view of the slat 200 along line9-9 is shown. As depicted, the base portion 220 further includes aplurality of gussets 230 projecting outward and away from the rib 224(i.e., in a transverse or width direction relative to a longitudinallength of the slat). In the example shown, the gussets 230 have atriangular shape. In one embodiment, the number of gussets 230 dependson the length 219 of the slat 200 such that if the length 219 isapproximately 17 inches, the base portion 220 includes six gussets 230and if the length 219 is approximately 22 inches, the base portionincludes ten gussets 230. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the baseportion 220 includes six gussets 230. In other embodiments, the baseportion 220 may include more or less gussets 230 (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 8,10 or more gussets 230). Additionally, in other embodiments, the gussets230 may have a different shape (e.g., trapezoidal).

As shown, the slat 200 includes a substantial mirror shape. In this way,a gusset 230 on one side of the rib 224 corresponds with a gusset 230 onthe other side of the rib 224 in alignment with each other. In this way,the gussets 230 along one side of the rib 224 are positioned in the sameor substantially the same longitudinal positions as the gussets alongthe other side of the rib 224. As shown, the gussets 230 are formedintegrally with the rib 224, the top flange 226, and the bottom flange228 and are made of the same material as the rib 224, the top flange226, and the bottom flange 228. In other embodiments and as describedherein, the gussets 230 may be of a different material and coupled tothe one or more of these parts (e.g., via adhesive).

As also shown, the gussets 230 may extend between the top flange 226 andthe bottom flange 228 and include a taper in width such that the gussets230 decrease in size from a largest relative width disposed at or nearthe top flange 226 to a smallest relative width disposed at or near thebottom flange 228. Additionally, each of the gussets 230 may havedifferent maximum widths (and include different tapers in width) suchthat the center gusset 230 (in the longitudinal center of the slat 200)may have the largest maximum width and the end gussets 230 (i.e., thegussets 230 closest to the left side 205 and the right side 206) mayhave the smallest relative maximum width. The maximum width refers tothe maximum distance that the gusset extends outward and away from therib 224. As such, the maximum width of the gussets 230 may decrease thecloser the gussets 230 are to the left side 205 and the right side 206of the slat 200.

The gussets 230 may provide additional torsion resistance along thelength of the slat 200, improve bending resistance, and improve shockabsorption for the base portion 220. The gussets 230 are relatively wideand therefore absorb the shock and impact force of the user as the useris using the treadmill 10. As a result, the gussets 30 provide for amore pleasurable and comfortable running surface to the user of thetreadmill 10.

In the example shown and when the fasteners 204 are coupled to the baseportion 220, the base portion 220 is of unitary construction (i.e., asingle piece component). In some embodiment, with the exception of thefasteners 204 that are mechanically bonded to the base portion 220,flanges 222, the rib 224, flange 226, flange 228, and gussets 230 may beformed from the same material. As mentioned above, the base portion 220may be made of or constructed from a variety of polymers or composites(e.g., a polymer combined with another material (to introduce variablematerial properties) such as glass fiber reinforced Polypropylene (PP)).In one example, the material may be 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60% glass fibercontent (percent by weight) reinforced PP. In this way, the base portion220 (without the fasteners 204) may be constructed from a mold (e.g.,injection molded). By being of unitary construction, the overallrigidity and durability may be improved because additional joining meansand associated joints are avoided. In other alternate embodiments, oneor more of the flanges 222, rib 224, flange 226, flange 228, and gussets230 may be coupled together to form the base portion 220 (e.g., thegussets 230 may utilize an adhesive or a weld to couple them to the rib224).

Referring now to FIG. 10 , a base portion 320 of a slat 300 for therunning belt 30 is shown according to a second example embodiment. Theslat 300 may be similar to the slat 200 (and therefore similar referencenumerals may be used for similar components) but includes ten gussets230 (as compared to the six gussets 230 of the base portion 220).Additionally, the base portion 320 of the slat 300 includes multiplecrowned portions 324.

As shown, the base portion 320 includes at least one crown portion(e.g., a projection that may transform a surface from substantiallyplanar to non-planar). The base portion 320 includes one positivelycrowned portion 324 projecting from the top flange 226 proximate thelongitudinal middle of the base portion 220, and one crowned portion 324projecting from the flange 222 proximate the left side the base portion320, and one positively crowned portion 324 projecting from the flange222 proximate the right side of the base portion 320. In this example,three crown portions are included with the base portion 320. In otherembodiments, more or less crowns are included. The “positive”nomenclature indicates that the crown is projecting away from theassociated surface or structure (e.g., the center crown 324 projectsupward and away from the top of the base portion 320; convex).

The positively crowned portions 324 are shown to have a rounded orarcuate shape. Thus, the crowned portion 324 may have specific radii ofcurvature. In one embodiment, each of the crowned portions 324 has thesame radii of curvature. In another embodiment, at least one crownportion has a different radii of curvature relative to the other crownportions. For example, the radius of curvature of the positively crownedportion projecting 324 from the flange 222 proximate the left side ofthe base portion 320 may be approximately 7.5 inches, the radius ofcurvature of the positively crowned portion 324 projecting from the topflange 226 proximate the longitudinal middle of the base portion 220 maybe approximately 80 inches, and the radius of curvature of thepositively crowned portion 324 projecting from the flange 222 proximatethe right side of the base portion 320 may be approximately 7.5 inches.

The relative length of the positive crown portions may be variable. Inthe example shown, the crown portions 324 disposed on the flanges 222occupy most of the space on the flanges 222. The crown portion 324 inthe longitudinal middle of the base portion 320 occupies approximatelyone-third of the longitudinal space on this section between the flanges222. In other embodiments, the relative length and width of the crownportions 324 may differ.

Advantageously and in use, the positively crowned portions 324 receive acompressive force from the user of the treadmill 10 rather than tensileforce which provides for additional strength for the base portion 320and durability for the slat 200. Furthermore, the positively crownedportions 324 generate additional surface area on the top of the baseportion 320 which provides for a better, stronger, coupling between theengagement portion (not shown) of the slat 300 and the base portion 320.

Referring now to FIG. 11 , a bottom view of the base portion 320 isshown. As depicted and as described herein, the bottom flange 228includes a taper in width such that the largest relative width of theflange 228 is disposed proximate the flanges 222 and the largestrelative width of the flange 228 is disposed proximate the middle(lengthwise) of the base portion 320. Furthermore, the taper in thewidth of the bottom flange 228 is smooth. As described herein, byincluding a taper in width, the flange 228 provides for torsionalsupport along the length of the slat 200 while requiring minimalmaterial.

Referring now to FIG. 12 , test data corresponding to the base portion220 of the slat 200 is shown. As depicted, the test data includescyclical test data 404, deflection test data 408, and ultimate strengthtest data 412. The test data 404, 408, and 412 provides an indication ofthe improvements in strength and durability from the base portion 220 ofthe slat 200. The tests (from which the test data 404, 408, and 412 wasgenerated) compared the base portion 220 to other slat base portions,made of, for example, aluminum.

The cyclical test data 404 compares the number of cycles of force(proximate the middle) the base portion 220 was able to withstand beforefailure, and provides an indication of the durability of the slat 200during use on the treadmill 10. Further, the cyclical test data 404includes data corresponding to the base portion 220 (“D8716”) and datacorresponding to other base portions of slats made of common materialsin the art (e.g., aluminum and Grivory®). As shown, the cyclical testdata 404 indicates the base portion 220 was able to withstand 117,732loads of 600 pounds of force (lbf) of force on average before failure,which is approximately 3.5 times the number of average loads of forcethe base portion made of aluminum was able to withstand andapproximately fifteen times the number of average of force the baseportion made of Grivory® was able to withstand.

The deflection test data 408 compares the average deflection of the baseportion (proximate the middle) based on the force applied to the baseportion and may provide an indication of the support the slat 200provides to the user as they run on the treadmill 10. Further, thedeflection test data 408 includes data corresponding to the base portion220 and data corresponding to a base portion made of other commonmaterials. As shown, the deflection test data 408 indicates the baseportion 220 deflected less than the common material base portion forevery single force applied to the base portions.

The ultimate strength test data 412 compares the average force thatcaused failure in the various base portions and provides an indicationof the strength of the slat 200 during use on the treadmill 10. Further,the ultimate strength test data 412 includes data corresponding to thebase portion 220 (“D8716”) and data corresponding to other base portionsof slats made of common materials in the art (e.g., aluminum andGrivory®). As shown, the ultimate strength test data 412 indicates thebase portion 220 was able to withstand 1240.7 lbf on average beforefailure, which is stronger than the other base portions tested, besidesthe 43 centimeter aluminum base portion.

Referring now to FIG. 13 , test data corresponding to the base portion320 of the slat 300 is shown. As depicted, the test data includescyclical test data 504, deflection test data 508, and ultimate strengthtest data 512. The test data 504, 508, and 512 provides an indication ofthe improvements in strength and durability from the gussets 230, thepositively crowned portions 324, the I-shaped cross-section of the baseportion 320, and the material of the base portion 320. The tests (fromwhich the test data 504, 508, and 512 was generated) compared the baseportion 320 to other base portions made of common materials in the art(e.g., aluminum) that did not include the gussets 230, the positivelycrowned portions 324, or the I-shaped cross-section.

The cyclical test data 504 compares the number of cycles of force(proximate the middle) the base portion 320 was able to withstand beforefailure, and provides an indication of the durability of the slat 200during use on the treadmill 10. Further, the cyclical test data 504includes data corresponding to the base portion 320 (“D8700/D8702 (Jan.1, 2020) mold”) and data corresponding to other base portions of slatsmade of common materials in the art (e.g., aluminum and Grivory®). Asshown, the cyclical test data 504 indicates the base portion 320 wasable to withstand 241,759 loads of 600 pounds of force (lbf) of force onaverage before failure, which is approximately seven times the number ofaverage loads of force the base portion made of aluminum was able towithstand and approximately 31.5 times the number of average of forcethe base portion made of Grivory® was able to withstand.

The deflection test data 508 compares the average deflection of the baseportions (proximate the middle) based on the force applied to the baseportions and includes data corresponding to the base portion 220 and mayprovide an indication of the support the slat 200 provides to the useras they run on the treadmill 10. Further, the deflection test data 508includes data corresponding to the base portion 320 and datacorresponding to other base portions of slats made of common materialsin the art. As shown, the deflection test data 508 indicates the baseportion 220 deflected less than the common material base portion for asingle force applied to the base portions.

The ultimate strength test data 512 compares the average force thatcaused failure in the base portions and provides an indication of thestrength of the slat 200 during use on the treadmill 10. Further, theultimate strength test data 512 includes data corresponding to the baseportion 320 (“D8700/D8702”) and data corresponding to a base portionmade of common materials. As shown, the ultimate strength test data 512indicates the base portion 320 was able to withstand 1298.4 lbf onaverage before failure, which is stronger the common material baseportion.

While the bulk of the discussion herein is focused on training andphysical fitness, this specific use-case example is not meant to belimiting. In this regard, persons skilled in the art will understandthat all of the structures and methods described herein are equallyapplicable in at least medical or therapeutic applications as well.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, asused herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicatethat such embodiments are possible examples, representations, orillustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intendedto connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary orsuperlative examples). It is to be understood that the disclosuredisclosed herein is not limited to the details of construction and thearrangement of the components set forth in the description orillustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of otherembodiments or being practiced or carried out in various ways. It isalso to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employedherein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded aslimiting. It is also important to note that although only a fewembodiments of the enclosure assembly have been described in detail inthis disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosurewill readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g.,variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions ofthe various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements,materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing fromthe novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in thedisclosed embodiments. Accordingly, all such modifications are intendedto be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined inthe disclosed embodiments. Additionally, any element disclosed in oneembodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodimentdisclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from oneembodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodimenthas been described above, it should be appreciated that other elementsof the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any ofthe other embodiments disclosed herein.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the terms “approximately” and“substantially” or other like terms are intended to be understood andbroadly interpreted by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example,when the disclosure defines a length or a width as approximately equalto a value or substantially equal to a value, these terms are intendedto be broadly defined and interpreted by those of ordinary skill in theart. For example, these terms may be a predefined value (e.g.,approximately may mean plus-or-minus X amount or percentage). As anotherexample, these terms may refer to a commonly accepted tolerance level.As still another example, these terms may refer to a statisticaldetermination based on a series of samples. Similarly, the terms “match”or “substantially match” are also meant to be broadly interpreted.Accordingly, in one example, match or substantial match may refer to anexact match. In another example, match or substantial matching refers toa dimension or value being within a predefined tolerance, amount,standard, or an accepted qualitative measurement technique. In thisregard and as utilized herein with respect to structural features (e.g.,to describe shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position,etc.), the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similarterms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that may resultfrom, for example, the manufacturing or assembly process and areintended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and acceptedusage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matterof this disclosure pertains. Accordingly, these terms should beinterpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited inthe appended claims.

As used herein, the term “coupled” means the joining of two membersdirectly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary(e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable).Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly toeach other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separateintervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled withone another, or with the two members coupled to each other using anintervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary bodywith one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof aremodified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the genericdefinition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain languagemeaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means thejoining of two members without any separate intervening member),resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of“coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical,or fluidic.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of variouselements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation ofvarious elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order ofmethod steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depictedand described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or moresteps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unlessspecified differently above.

What is claimed is:
 1. A treadmill, comprising: a running belt rotatablein a direction of motion and comprising a plurality of slats, wherein atleast one slat in the plurality of slats comprises: a top portion; alongitudinal rib extending away from the top portion and oriented alonga longitudinal direction of the slat; and a bottom flange coupled to thelongitudinal rib at or near a vertical bottom of the longitudinal ribsuch that the longitudinal rib is substantially positioned between thetop portion and the bottom flange, the bottom flange extending away fromthe longitudinal rib on opposing sides of the longitudinal rib.
 2. Thetreadmill of claim 1, further comprising a gusset extending away fromthe longitudinal rib such that the gusset is substantially perpendicularto at least one of the top portion and the longitudinal rib.
 3. Thetreadmill of claim 2, wherein the gusset extends from the top portion tothe bottom flange.
 4. The treadmill of claim 2, wherein the gussetincludes a plurality of gussets, each of the plurality of gussetscoupled to the longitudinal rib, extending from the longitudinal rib,and spaced apart from each other.
 5. The treadmill of claim 1, whereinthe at least one slat further comprises an engagement portion coupled tothe top portion that is configured to provide an engagement surface fora user of the treadmill.
 6. The treadmill of claim 5, wherein theengagement portion is over-molded onto the top portion.
 7. The treadmillof claim 5, wherein a perimeter of the top portion is substantiallycoextensive with a perimeter of the engagement portion.
 8. The treadmillof claim 1, wherein the longitudinal rib defines a curved longitudinalprofile.
 9. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the top portion has asubstantially constant width and the bottom flange has a variable width,the variable width less than the substantially constant width at acenter of the slat.
 10. The treadmill of claim 1, further comprising anendless belt, wherein the slat further comprises an integral fastenerconfigured to fasten the slat to the endless belt.
 11. The treadmill ofclaim 1, the slat further comprising a crowned portion extending awayfrom the top portion, the top portion positioned between the crownedportion and the longitudinal rib.
 12. The treadmill of claim 1, whereinthe top portion, the longitudinal rib, and the bottom flange combine toform a cross section which is predominately I-shaped.
 13. A slat for abelt of an exercise or a therapeutic apparatus, the slat having alongitudinal direction and comprising: a top portion configured tosupport at least a portion of an engagement surface of the exercise ortherapeutic apparatus; a longitudinal rib extending away from the topportion and oriented along the longitudinal direction of the slat; and abottom flange coupled to the longitudinal rib at or near a verticalbottom of the longitudinal rib such that the longitudinal rib ispositioned substantially between the top portion and the bottom flange,the bottom flange extending away from the longitudinal rib on opposingsides of the longitudinal rib.
 14. The slat of claim 13, furthercomprising a gusset extending away from the longitudinal rib such thatthe gusset is substantially perpendicular to at least one of the topportion and the longitudinal rib.
 15. The slat of claim 14, wherein thelongitudinal rib defines in-part a curved longitudinal profile.
 16. Theslat of claim 13, further comprising an integral fastener configured toselectively couple the slat to an element of the exercise apparatus. 17.The slat of claim 13, further comprising an engagement portion moldedonto the top portion, the engagement portion configured to be contactedby a user of the exercise apparatus such that the top portion supportsthe portion of the engagement surface by supporting the engagementportion.
 18. A running belt, comprising; a plurality of slats, whereineach of the plurality of slats comprises: a top portion; a longitudinalrib extending away from the top portion and is substantially orientedalong a longitudinal direction of the slat; and a bottom flange coupledto the longitudinal rib at or near a vertical bottom of the longitudinalrib such that the longitudinal rib is substantially positioned betweenthe top portion and the bottom flange, the bottom flange extending awayfrom the longitudinal rib on opposing sides of the longitudinal rib. 19.The running belt of claim 18, further comprising an endless belt,wherein the plurality of slats comprise integral fasteners coupling theplurality of slats to the endless belt.
 20. The running belt of claim18, further comprising a gusset extending away from the longitudinal ribsuch that the gusset is substantially perpendicular to at least one ofthe top portion and the longitudinal rib, wherein the bottom flange iscurved, at least in part, along the longitudinal direction of the slat.